Those who have lived in Bangalore or is a part of the city knows how everyone loves and swears by Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR). This 78-year-old institution happens to be one of the largest food conglomerates in India, has the history of this place is also tightly associated with Bangalore and Karnataka.
Famous amongst politicians/leaders and other celebrities their payasam, kosambari, vegetable gravy, masala dosa, vangibath, rice, rasam is something to swear by. The clearly states that MTR”S Heritage (courtesy MTRfood.com)
“At MTR, we are proud of our rich heritage. Our tradition of food and hospitality began in 1924 with the establishment of the Mavalli Tiffin Room by the Maiyya family in Bangalore, India. Started by two brothers from Udupi, Parampalli Yajnanarayana Maiya and Ganappayya Maiya it was once the Brahmin Coffee House. Way back then it only served filter coffee and idlis . This restaurant is a city landmark today and people still stand in queue to savour its unique, completely authentic dishes. Over the years, we have played proud host to many distinguished personalities who dropped by for the excellent coffee and the stimulating conversation”. In Bengaluru one can find MTR outlets in Indiranagar, Whitefield, Banashankari (Kanakapura Road), JP Nagar, St Mark’s Road.
And carrying the legacy forward the MTR now has forayed in London. This iconic tiffin room has opened its doors in neighbourhood of Harrow, a place which sees many other Indian restaurants too in the area. Their standardisation of flavour, quality and ambience is what makes MTR special. The London branch sees MTR history that has been well depicted on the walls along with the iconic red interiors and the vintage MTR 1924 signage. Hemamalini Maiya, who is the third generation of the MTR family legacy is the mastermind behind getting the brand out to the world.
For the London outlet the chefs have been trained in the Bengaluru kitchen for almost four months. With most staff that is Indian London eatery will see all the tried and tested breakfast classics like idli, dosa and the filter coffee, along with bisibele bhath, khara bhath, saagu and chutney and more. Last even the newly appointed British Deputy High Commissioner, Anna Shotbolt was seen enjoying some crispy masala dosa at the newly opened MTR London.
The brand is vert clear that they will not tweak the taste or the menu to suit the Western world as they claim that they are not a “spicy food restaurant”. The journey of this eatery from Lalbagh to London is nothing less than a history in itself.